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Public reporting does not reduce MRI scans for low back painMarch 26, 2015 -- Healthcare regulators looking to reduce overutilization of medical imaging through public reporting of unnecessary procedures may want to find a bigger stick. An analysis in Texas of public reporting of MRI scans for low back pain -- an often unnecessary procedure -- found the initiative to have little effect on procedure growth.

Patients want information about radiation riskMarch 24, 2015 -- A new study published online in Radiology shows that patients want more information about medical radiation risks, but most would prefer to get it from the doctor managing their care, rather than a radiologist. This means that radiologists need to be more proactive in arming these physicians with information on radiation's risks and benefits.

How breast centers can make the most of social mediaMarch 23, 2015 -- Breast centers have a unique opportunity to educate and inform women in their communities, according to a presentation at the recent National Consortium of Breast Centers meeting in Las Vegas. And one of the best ways to do this is through social media.

Making a Difference as a Sonographer: The perils of job growthMarch 20, 2015 -- Growth in the number of diagnostic medical sonographer jobs is expected to hit nearly 50% through 2022. But that's not necessarily a good thing, as the increasing popularity of ultrasound puts more strain on sonographers. Find out what you can do to cope in the latest article from Doug Wuebben.

House, Senate introduce SGR repeal billsMarch 19, 2015 -- Inspired by a joint effort between U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the House and Senate on March 19 submitted identical bills that would repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, according to the Associated Press.

NCoBC: 3 ways nurse navigators can reduce your malpractice riskMarch 18, 2015 -- More money is paid out for breast cancer claims than for any other form of medical negligence, at $297 million per year, and radiologists are involved in 43% of these claims, according to a presentation at the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCoBC) meeting in Las Vegas. So how can a breast center manage this risk?

NCoBC: Mammography techs play crucial role in women's healthMarch 17, 2015 -- The evolution of breast imaging has made mammography technologists much more than just "button pushers," with their role evolving to include not only more patient interaction but also more education and training, according to a March 16 presentation at the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCoBC) meeting in Las Vegas.

MedPAC takes long view despite 1% drop in imaging volumeMarch 13, 2015 -- There was a 1% drop in imaging volume per Medicare beneficiary between 2012 and 2013, according to new figures released by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). But despite the decline, MedPAC is pointing out that the use of imaging services remains higher than it was a decade ago.

Study links overuse of imaging for prostate, breast cancerMarch 12, 2015 -- A new study published online March 12 in JAMA Oncology found that geographic regions where imaging overuse is common for prostate cancer also see high overuse rates of breast cancer imaging -- a very different type of disease. The findings indicate that imaging overuse could have a regional component, a development that might complicate efforts to reduce the phenomenon.

The Healthy Radiologist: Managing sleep on overnight shiftsMarch 12, 2015 -- In the second article in her series on how radiologists can stay healthy, Dr. Stacey Funt discusses the importance of a good sleep strategy when performing shift work, such as overnight call. Radiologists have different approaches to managing their sleep cycle when doing overnight shifts -- the key is to find one that works for you.